Master of Philosophy

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The Master of Philosophy, offered through the Faculty of Science, enables applicants to research an area closely associated with their undergraduate or postgraduate specialisation.

Why study this course?

CSU's Master of Philosophy is designed to allow graduates to undertake specialised studies to support their technical and professional development and their career aspirations. The Master of Philosophy is offered to applicants who wish to research an area closely associated with their undergraduate or postgraduate specialisation.

The Master of Philosophy is a research degree which aims to afford the graduate specialised knowledge and skills for research and/or professional practice and/or further learning. A research candidate for the degree of Master is required to undertake research on an approved topic, resulting in a new body of work which results in a distinct contribution to knowledge of the subject. Candidates awarded the Master degree by research have demonstrated appropriate theoretical and methodological knowledge. Master of Philosophy candidates may conduct their research in a variety of locations and settings.

General course objectives are to develop:

a specialised body of knowledge appropriate to a research career

skills of information gathering, processing and evaluation, and problem-solving and communication skills.

The Master of Philosophy is currently available through all Schools in the Faculty of Science.

Subject to regulation and approval, candidates may conduct their research at other places where adequate facilities and co-supervisors are available. The direction of the work remains under the control of the University supervisor.

Students admitted to the research and thesis program will be required to submit a thesis embodying the results of an approved research project. A student may be required to undertake further support subjects to assist in the completion of the research project.

Subjects

The below information is for new students. Current students should select their subjects by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment

Course structure

Students will work with their supervisory team to complete all aspects of the research project which constitutes the Master of Philosophy degree. The supervisory team will be comprised of one principal supervisor and at least one co-supervisor who are both permanent academic staff at Charles Sturt University. Supervisory teams may include additional co-supervisors who are adjuncts and/or external to CSU with appropriate qualifications. All supervisors will be required to meet minimum qualification and professional experience standards and have been formally registered on the CSU Supervisor Registry.

Under the guidance of their supervisors, students will determine an appropriate area of study that aligns with the Faculty’s designated fields of research, where appropriate, gain ethics and other approvals, conduct a detailed research investigation, and write and submit a thesis for examination.

Students are also required to complete and submit a formal research proposal that has been reviewed and endorsed by a review panel and approved through the School-based endorsement of candidature process. Students will also be required to engage with University progress reporting requirements as advised by the Research Office on admission. Additional requirements and conditions of enrolment, probation and progress may be applicable to individual students.

Enrolment pattern

Students will be enrolled in a single 128-point subject for the duration of their degree. The subject code will be determined according to the School in which students are enrolled within the Faculty of Science.

Admission information

The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of the University holds the delegated authority to approval for admission to a research higher degree programs.

Master of Philosophy

Basis of Approval for Admission to the Master of Philosophy The RAC shall base its decision on admission to a proposed Master of Philosophy candidature upon the following evidence, that:

the proposed program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought;

the proposed area of research falls within an approved University field of research for admission to a higher degree by research;

the proposed supervisors are sufficiently expert in the area of research, and have the time and commitment to be able to provide appropriate supervision, and that adequate physical resources are available;

the applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course (refer also to Entry Qualifications, below);

the applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with the supervisor(s).

Entry Qualifications for Master of Philosophy Degree The entry qualifications required for admission to a Master of Philosophy program are:

an appropriate Bachelor degree from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of three years (full-time equivalent) and with a minimum grade point average of 5.0; or

an appropriate Bachelor degree with honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent); or

some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrate capacity to undertake research at a Masters level.

LEGEND
CGS: Commonwealth Government supported places
FPPG: Fee-paying postgraduate places
FPOS: Fee-paying overseas student places
Admission Code: For your reference if required during your application process
NO TAC: An admission code is not required for applications to CSU Study Centres
TEMP: An admission code has not yet been assigned for this course

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must have completed a thesis that complies in full with the relevant regulations (H3: Higher Degree by Research: Examinable Works and Examination Regulations), and through the formal University examination process, is deemed to have met the requirements of a masters level degree. To graduate students must demonstrate that they have (a) a relevant depth and breadth of knowledge in the discipline, (b) made a distinct contribution to the discipline, (c) applied adequate research process and methodology, and (d) produced work that is worthy of formal publication.

CRICOS Code(s)

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Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Throughout their studies, CSU students have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English Language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to their discipline. This ongoing development will enable students to effectively participate in their course and graduate as competent professionals.

NORMAL COURSE DURATION

MODE

CAMPUS

COST OF STUDY

CRICOS

075523G (Uni Wide)

CSU Research Office

The Research Office is the central point of contact for researchers, research students, supervisors, managers and research agencies and provides information and support for the administration and management of research and research higher degrees at CSU.